2016 / 2017 Winter Programs to begin on the National Elk Refuge
2016 / 2017 Winter Programs to begin on the National Elk Refuge
by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
November 28, 2016
The National Elk Refuge is pleased to announce the 2016 / 2017 winter program schedule for the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. The visitor center, located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson, is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily this season, except for Christmas Day.
The Refuge’s most popular educational program takes place from the unique setting of a horse-drawn sleigh. Sleigh rides begin for the season on Saturday, December 17 and operate daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, except for Christmas Day. The rides are an exciting way to observe and photograph wildlife on the Refuge. In addition to elk, passengers routinely see coyotes, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, ravens, and other wildlife.
Participants purchase sleigh ride tickets at the visitor center and are transported on a free shuttle bus to the sleigh boarding area three miles north of Jackson. Sleighs depart three to four times each hour throughout the day, with rides typically lasting an hour. The sleigh rides are operated under contract by Double H Bar, Inc. Rates are $21 for adults and $15 for children ages 5 through 12, with children under age 5 riding for free. Reservations are required for private tours and groups of 20 people or more; smaller groups or families may make reservations, but advanced booking is not necessary. Additional information on sleigh rides, including group rates, reservations, and gift certificate purchases, is available by visiting http://1.usa.gov/1hwpEXj or by calling (307) 733-0277.
The National Elk Refuge is again partnering with the Teton Raptor Center this winter to present a series of "Feathered Fridays" visits this season at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. The programs, offered each Friday from 12:00-2:00 pm, will run weekly from December 23, 2016 through March 31, 2017. The "Feathered Fridays" series was implemented last season as a pilot program and quickly became a popular success. Over 2,000 people attended one of the free programs, prompting the partnering organizations to continue the raptor program at the visitor center this winter. New this year is the opportunity for school and non-profit groups to sign up for a private Friday group raptor lesson from 11:30 am-12:00 pm. To schedule an educational program, please call (307) 739-9322.
Please visit the National Elk Refuge’s web site at www.fws.gov/refuge/National_Elk_Refuge throughout the winter season for announcements on special events, including wildlife tours, full moon walks, craft days, guest speakers, and other programming.
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